The Youth Employment Agency’s trades and vocational programme has recorded 51,900 beneficiaries against an annual target of 30,000, exceeding its target by 73%, Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale has announced.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at Jubilee House today, Wednesday, October 21, Mr Basintale said the programme was the Agency’s strongest-performing employment module by percentage as of September 30, 2026.
The intervention provides young people with technical and vocational skills in areas such as carpentry, welding and hairdressing. It also supports beneficiaries who wish to establish small and medium-scale businesses by providing start-up tools.
Mr Basintale said the performance demonstrated the importance of practical skills development and entrepreneurship in efforts to address youth unemployment.
“Trades and Vocation module provides young people with technical and vocational skills across trade areas other than fashion,” he said, outlining the programme’s role in preparing beneficiaries for work and self-employment.
He added: “Vocational skills are not inferior alternatives to formal jobs; they are essential pillars of productive economic participation.”
The YEA says the programme is intended to help young people acquire practical competencies, establish businesses and participate in productive economic activities.